Newby Newb. Can you mix 12v and 24v panels into a 12v PMW charge controller?

I want to setup a 400watt solar system for my RV. All my appliances are 12v. I made the newb mistake of buying stuff first so I have two 85watt poly solar panels.... and a 12v charge controller. Sunforce 60032 30 Amp Digital Charge Controller
I think made a mistake... I now see 12v / 24v charge controllers... auto switching.
1.Does that mean I can mix and match 12v and 24v panels ?
2. What is the biggest 12v panel out there? I found a 100 watt panel. If I found a bigger one I wouldn't have to buy a new controller.
Thanks
I think made a mistake... I now see 12v / 24v charge controllers... auto switching.
1.Does that mean I can mix and match 12v and 24v panels ?
2. What is the biggest 12v panel out there? I found a 100 watt panel. If I found a bigger one I wouldn't have to buy a new controller.
Thanks
Comments
The panel voltage going into the controller needs to be the same.
Why do you think you need to buy another charge controller?
Solar hybrid gasoline generator, 7kw gas, 180 watts of solar, Morningstar 15 amp MPPT, group 31 AGM, 900 watt kisae inverter.
Solar roof top GMC suburban, a normal 3/4 ton suburban with 180 watts of panels on the roof and 10 amp genasun MPPT, 2000w samlex pure sine wave inverter, 12v gast and ARB air compressors.
http://www.solar-electric.com/solarworld-sunmodule-sw285-monocrystalline-solar-panel-33mm.html
Solar hybrid gasoline generator, 7kw gas, 180 watts of solar, Morningstar 15 amp MPPT, group 31 AGM, 900 watt kisae inverter.
Solar roof top GMC suburban, a normal 3/4 ton suburban with 180 watts of panels on the roof and 10 amp genasun MPPT, 2000w samlex pure sine wave inverter, 12v gast and ARB air compressors.
Mixing might work, but only at the loss of much of the '24 volt' panels potential energy.
I know evergreen made some 200 watt 12 volt panels, not sure what the largest is currently.
Not sure why you think "...If I found a bigger one I wouldn't have to buy a new controller" You will be limited by the 30 amp capacity of your charge controller. You could have enough panels in parallel to reach that capacity, if they are 30 watt or 300 watt.
The pair of these 165watt panels with your 85 watt panels would max out your charge controller.
https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Panel-Charging-Battery-Efficiency/dp/B00G2IZ1VW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466769637&sr=8-1&keywords=165+watt+solar
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
[fix typo. -Bill B.]
-Bill
A 30 volt panel is an ok choice for a 12v system with real MPPT controller, but its more likely intended for a grid tie setup, series 3 of them up for around 90v and you are good to go.
It would work for a 24v system if you have a good MPPT controller.
A good MPPT controller wont see any noticeable efficiency drop charging a 12v system with a 60 cell panel. If you used a PWM charge controller, that would be a horrible setup. With a PWM controller it would only be like 40 or 50% efficient.
Solar hybrid gasoline generator, 7kw gas, 180 watts of solar, Morningstar 15 amp MPPT, group 31 AGM, 900 watt kisae inverter.
Solar roof top GMC suburban, a normal 3/4 ton suburban with 180 watts of panels on the roof and 10 amp genasun MPPT, 2000w samlex pure sine wave inverter, 12v gast and ARB air compressors.
-Bill